Is It Really a Charity?

So, you have a few extra pennies to donate and you'd like to get a tax deduction for it.  How can you be sure that the organization you're donating to is 'legitimate' from the IRS' perspective so that your charitable contribution deduction is deemed acceptable?

To be sure, it's best to check with the IRS for the up-to-date listing, and it's easier to do than you might think.

To search for the organization you're considering donating to, you can go to: http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78 to access the IRS' search tool.  You can also call 877-829-5500 to inquiry directly.  You can get the IRS letter giving the organization tax exempt status from the organization itself, but it wouldn't indicate if it had been suspended.

There are certain exceptions (as always in the tax law).  Churches and certain affiliated organizations, governmental units (schools, municipal libraries, fire departments, etc.) and subordinate units of tax exempt groups are generally also qualified organizations, but would not be listed in the IRS database.

So, on this last day of the year, give generously to the many, many organizations which do so much good for so many - just make sure that they are really a charity (according to the IRS).

Happy 2010!

Contact me:
kfolberg@mynetcpa.com
(262) 421-1170 Office
(877) 277-7151 Fax